Baby ticks, also known as nymphs or larvae, are incredibly small and challenging to spot on skin. Their diminutive stature makes early identification important, as prompt removal can reduce the risk of potential health concerns. Understanding what these tiny arachnids look like and how to react if one is found can help protect health. This article provides guidance on identifying baby ticks and the immediate steps to take upon discovery.
Key Features of Baby Ticks
Baby ticks, particularly nymphs, are often compared in size to a poppy seed or a pinhead, measuring about 1 to 2 millimeters long. Larval ticks, also known as “seed ticks,” are even smaller, sometimes described as the size of a grain of sand or less than 1 millimeter. Their small size means they can easily be mistaken for specks of dirt, freckles, or tiny moles on the skin.
The color of baby ticks can vary, but they commonly appear black, brown, or reddish-brown. For instance, blacklegged tick nymphs often have a reddish-orange body with dark legs. When unfed, ticks typically have a flattened, oval, or tear-dropped shape. After feeding on blood, they can become engorged, appearing more plump and rounded, and may increase significantly in size, sometimes tripling their original dimensions.
A notable difference between life stages is the number of legs: larvae have six legs, while nymphs and adults possess eight. When checking for baby ticks, it is helpful to examine areas where ticks prefer to attach, which include warm, moist, or hairy locations. Common sites on a baby’s body include:
- The scalp
- Behind the ears
- Neck
- Armpits
- Groin
- Behind the knees
- Between fingers and toes
- Around the waistband
What to Do If You Find One
If a baby tick is found attached to the skin, removing it promptly is an important step to reduce the chance of potential infection. The recommended method involves using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible, ideally at its head or mouthparts. Pull the tick upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding any twisting or jerking motions, which could cause the mouthparts to break off in the skin.
It is important to avoid certain methods for tick removal, such as crushing the tick’s body, or using substances like petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat. These approaches can agitate the tick, potentially causing it to release more saliva or stomach contents into the bite area, which could increase the risk of disease transmission. After the tick is removed, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
Following tick removal, it is advisable to monitor the baby for any signs of illness or rash for several weeks. Symptoms of concern can include a red bump that expands into a bull’s-eye rash, characteristic of Lyme disease, or other types of rashes. Other flu-like symptoms to watch for are:
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Swollen glands
Contact a pediatrician if any of these symptoms develop, if the bite area shows increased redness, warmth, or swelling, or if you are concerned that part of the tick remains embedded.